ei
The English word 'no' is translated into Estonian as ei.
The particle ei is used to show disagreement or to express negation. It can also function as a noun meaning 'a negating expression'. Related words like üldse and ükski are used when you mean 'not any'.
Meaning: used to show disagreement or negation (particle)
Which one should you use?
For more specific or polite nuances, other phrases are used, such as the formal Kahjuks mitte for 'unfortunately not' or the informal Ei, aitäh! for 'no, thank you!'
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
In Estonian, ei is used to negate a verb in the present tense, such as in the phrase ei söö (does not eat). A common construction is ei ole, which is the standard way to express both 'is not' and 'does not have'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use ei as a direct replacement for 'not' before an adjective. In Estonian, negating adjectives or nouns typically requires different structures or the use of mitte.
Did you know?
- In Estonian, the word for 'no' is not just a static particle but a complete verb that changes its form to match the subject. This is why the word for 'I do not' looks different from 'he does not'.
- The Estonian ei shares a deep ancestral link with the Finnish ei and Northern Sami ii. They all originate from an ancient Proto-Finno-Ugric root.
- The phrase ei ole allows Estonian to express the non-existence of something without needing a word like 'there' or 'exist'.
Examples in context
- Kas see oli ei?Was that a no?This example shows how to use the noun form of ei to ask if something was a 'no'.Tatoeba #11308618 by twentyplus, translation #2649182 by CK
- Neil ei ole raha.They have no money.This example demonstrates the use of ei ole to express that someone does not have something.Tatoeba #11288442 by twentyplus, translation #2548639 by CK
- Kuul ei ole õhku.There is no air on the moon.This example shows the use of ei ole to express the non-existence of something.Tatoeba #11288608 by twentyplus, translation #238802 by CK
- Ma kahjuks ei saa, mul on juba teised plaanid.I'm sorry, but I can't. I already have other plans.
- Kas sa saaksid mind homme lennujaama viia?Could you take me to the airport tomorrow?
- Kahjuks mitte, aga ma saan sulle takso tellida.Unfortunately not, but I can arrange a taxi for you.
- 63 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mari asks Toomas if he is hungry.
- MariKas sul on nõsse?Are you hungry?
- ToomasEi, mul ei ole nõsse.No, I am not hungry.
- MariKas sa tahad vett?Do you want water?
- ToomasEi, ma ei taha.No, I don't want any.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “no” translations and entries ei, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ei, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
